The Scottish international midfielder made his long awaited comeback in the reserve team match at Southampton.

And with Frederic Kanoute also approaching full fitness, the news will come as a welcome boost to Hammers boss Glenn Roeder.

Hutchison was initially not expected to play again this year when he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament against Middlesbrough back in February.

But the midfielder has progressed well and could return to first team action before the end of the year.

Striker Kanoute is looking at the match against Aston Villa for a possible comeback.

Kanoute limped out of the match against Chelsea on 28 September with an adductor muscle injury.

The Frenchman suffered a set back on his road to recovery but has an outside chance of making the trip to the Midlands.